Portulaca oleracea - common purslane, also known as verdolaga, red root, or pursley - is an annual succulent in the family Portulacaceae, which may reach 40 centimetres (16 in) in height. Although William Cobbett noted that it was "eaten by Frenchmen and pigs when they can get nothing else » - non-ornemental varieties are perfectly edible - and taste nice !

Sowing & planting

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Flowering

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Harvestint

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

Caracteristics

Exposition

Water needs

Granulométrie

plants.granulometry_5

Frost-resistance

Medium

Zone USDA

10a

Height

15 - 30

pH

6 - 7

Sow my purslane

Sow in the vegetable garden in sandy and sunny soil in open soil from April to July.
Work the soil finely on the surface, leaving no clods, finishing with a scratching and a delicate raking.
Mix the seeds with sand and sow sparsely.
Sprinkle gently with the watering can or better, with the sprayer, without creating a swirl that would take away the seeds.

Thin out my purslane

After emergence, thin out the plants, leaving only one every 10 centimeters to facilitate their development. Eat the rest ;-)

Check on my purslane

At the time of emergence a few days after sowing, watch for slugs that can swallow all in one visit.

Water my purslane

Water regularly after sowing - twice a week in fine mist - and then in case of drought during all summer.

Reap my purslane

Harvest according to your needs, cutting them to ground level. Remember that the stems become tough if you leave them too long.